Understanding Weight-Loss Medications

There are over 100 million adults living with obesity in the United States. Individuals who struggle with obesity face many biases. They receive poor treatment in social situations, but they often receive inadequate medical treatment, too. This week on Fox 17, Dr.Bitner discusses how changes in the medical community are helping individuals regain hope and be provided the right tools to see their healthy lifestyle choices be effective.

Fact #1

Obesity is now formally considered a medical condition; it is not a choice. The first step to helping people regain control of their chronic disease is educating them and others in the medical community. 

Fact #2

Risk factors for obesity are more than just poor lifestyle choices. When we start viewing obesity as a medical condition, we can be more aware of the signs and risks. These include:

• Family history of obesity
• Childhood obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• Diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Insulin resistance: blood pressure increases when cells don’t respond well to insulin.
• Social Determinants of Health: our environmental factors, the condition in which we live and work. 

Fact #3

Obesity is treatable. People struggling with obesity can feel like they are stuck and unable to improve their health. Becoming educated on your condition and options with your doctor will help you see change. Here is some updated information to help guide a conversation with your doctor:

• The best treatment depends on the reason(s) behind the cause. Refer to the list of risks above for help understanding what might be causing obesity.
• The number one goal is patient safety. The medications are powerful and can have serious side effects.
• Only medications that are FDA-approved drugs are recommended.
• Compounded weight loss medications can pose numerous risks.
• There are a variety of drugs to treat obesity that all target and work in different ways. Be open with your doctor about risks or fears you may have to make sure you choose the right fit.
• New drugs such asWegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved for obesity.

Fact #4

BMI is typically the standard marker to determine obesity—anyone with a BMI over 30 or a BMI above 27 with a comorbidity is obese. Comorbidities include (but are not limited to) high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels.

Fact #5

Common side effects from weight loss drugs include:

• GI issues such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms lessen with healthy lifestyle changes, like diet. 
• Lack of appetite
• Hair loss

Consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing any side effects; they can help you find solutions. Changing your diet, medicine dosage, or taking certain vitamins can provide relief from many of these symptoms. 

Patient story: 

Jane, 53, had diabetes in pregnancy, a family history of obesity, and worried about her health risks. Her blood pressure and cholesterol were high, she was pre-diabetic, and since age 45, she has been gaining weight despite her healthy lifestyle. Jane felt ashamed and frustrated, thinking her weight and health issues were her fault. She did not see a solution in sight. 

When Jane asked her doctor if Zepbound would be right for her. After a conversation about her health risks and potential causes of her obesity, her doctor recommended she start the new medication. After 3 months, Jane was able to lose 22 pounds and had the confidence she could keep it off. 

Health tip of the week:

If you have obesity and you have tried everything, please know you are not alone and there are options out there. Seek help from a trained medical professional and ask for an FDA-approved medication. Dr. Celia Egan is Board-Certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine and also maintains membership in the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society. She works with each patient to determine the right treatment options for their unique needs and guides them on their weight journey. 

About true. Weight Journey 

true. Weight Journey helps you succeed in weight loss. Built by women for women, we work with you to make the most of your unique weight journey and help you build tools within yourself for lifelong success. Whether you want your clothes to fit better or you’re tired of counting calories, true. Weight Journey’s highly individualized system takes your health and your goals into consideration while creating your plan. Learn More.

Watch the full segment here